Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the State Government will strengthen her capacity to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state.
Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Health Finance Governance at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Governor Wike said the current HIV/AIDS prevalence level is unacceptable.
He directed the State Ministry of Health to establish the required structures to tackle the scourge headlong in the interest of the people.
He said that an executive director will be appointed for Rivers State Agency for the Control of AIDS ( RIVSACA) to drive the process to ensure treatment and enlightenment on the prevalence of the disease.
"The Rivers State Government will take steps to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. We will take drastic measures to ensure the reduction takes place", he said.
He noted that though the State Government has invested in the improvement of health infrastructure, the fight against HIV/AIDs is key.
The governor said that the State Health Insurance Agency will be actualised and the enabling law put in place.
Earlier, the Chief of Party of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Health Finance Governance, Dr Gafar Alawode lauded the Rivers State Governor for his investments in the health sector, saying that the investments have positive implications for economic prosperity.
He said that the investments by the Rivers State Governor in the health sector should be emulated by other governors.
Dr Gafar urged the Rivers State Governor to set up mechanisms to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS in the state by taking measures to increase access to treatment.
He also urged the Rivers State Governor to set up the Rivers State Health Insurance Agency. He said the agency will increase access to quality healthcare for the people.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
26th June, 2018.
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